A phalanx of the massive pro-life protest approaches the Capitol
[Photo by Eric Scheidler]
Bright skies and brisk winter cold greeted the estimated quarter-million pro-lifers who participated in the thirtieth annual March for Life on January 22. The crowd was dominated by young faces, as it has been in recent years, with busloads of teens coming in from all around the country. Many families marched together in defense of life, with baby carriages festooned with pro-life signs and pennants. The older generation was well-represented as well, with many marchers like the League’s Joe Scheidler, who was present for the very first March for Life in 1974.
Count the young faces in the crowd—the pro-life movement is growing younger every year
[Photo by Eric Scheidler]
Secular press coverage of the March was disappointing, as usual, but the scarceness of media cameras did not trouble the huge crowd, who knew their prayers for an end to abortion would be broadcast in heaven even if their faces would not be seen on TV that night. Also in sparse attendance were pro-abortion counter-protesters, whose numbers diminish every year, even as the pro-life movement grows larger and younger.
Though legal abortion remains the gravest injustice in our nation’s history and a cause for great sadness, the massive display of pro-life resolve is a tremendous encouragement to all who attend this annual event and to pro-life Americans everywhere who cannot attend.
More Photos from the 2003 March for Life
One of the cleverer signs displayed at the March, by University of Florida students (Reads: “One Last Time . . . This is tissue, this is baby. Any Questions?”
[Photo by Eric Scheidler]
Daryl Cooper of Democrats for Life and his donkey
[Photo by Eric Scheidler]
This creative pro-lifer drew a steady crowd with his Founding Fathers-themed abortion protest
[Photo by Eric Scheidler]
Police guard the Supreme Court building where the March concludes each year
[Photo by Eric Scheidler]
Links and Related Articles
- SpeakOut Illinois in Washington, D.C.—Article from this issue of Action News about the Illinois presence at the Marth for Life
- Generations for Life—The League’s contribution to the growing youth pro-life movement so evident at this year’s March
